The Problem With Pain and Suffering, a Personal Journey

Guess what happens when an old man who frequently forgets how to
properly account for his years, climbs a wobbly ladder…nothing good.
Good fall from far enough to do real damage. Had my first helicopter
ride, (though I remember absolutely none of it). Got poked, scanned,
prodded, and much more, also which I remember none. They
eventually let me go home. I hurt in all sorts of special ways and
places…but nothing broke…except maybe a bit of my pride.

This has not been my first experience of wandering around death’s
door and I guess, I will get to have at least one more visit. The first was
about 6 years ago when two heart attacks within 24 hours led to an
immediate triple bypass which had some…complications. In the
aftermath of that experience, I knew beyond a doubt, I couldn’t do that
again. I felt passing through the vale was preferable to a repeat
performance. Deep down, I think I still feel that way. However, at some
point during my most recent misadventure, I am not sure when,
because most of it was washed away in a general amnesia, I felt
confronted with the same question. “Do I choose to live or not?” The
thing is, the question felt posed, yet no answer was allowed or
expected.

And now…my mind is clearer…sort of…I cannot let this question go. We
get confronted with this question in a way our ancestors never faced.
Medical science can extend our lives past innumerable events which
would have been life ending just a hundred years ago. So, this
question takes on a meaning and complication never anticipated by the
greatest minds of history. And yet, the answer is exactly what it was
throughout the millennium. It is not in our power to determine our days.
This power has never left the Sovereign Will of our Father in Heaven.
This reality is one which we must never loose sight of.

However, I still do not understand how we approach all of the wondrous
and extraordinary capabilities available to us through modern medicine
with the humble acknowledgment that our days are not our own to
decide. All of us of a certain age have had to face this question with our
parents who have proceeded us through this vale. God never said life
would be without suffering. In fact you do not get past the first few
chapters of Genesis where suffering is actually boldly promised! Is the
suffering near the end of life of lesser value than that suffered mid-life?

The problem of pain (hey…I think there has been a book or two with
that title) grows and simplifies as I get older.

On my computer I usually have pictures from either the Hubble or
Webb telescopes as a background. These inevitably remind me of my
complete insignificance. What is man that you are mindful of him??!!
Man was created not for man’s pleasure, but for God’s glory. Forgetting
this will get everything else out of wack! And yet, despite the
unimaginable vastness of the cosmos, He has numbered the hairs on
my head!

I try not to view pain as the equivalent of evil, though it certainly can be
the outcome of evil, absolutely. Some of our pain is a consequence of
our own choices to sin. Some are a consequence of others’ choice to
sin. And some… well, are the consequence of our own very sinful
nature.

However, despite all of this, pain is a great teacher; it teaches the
proper location of the knees. It winnows away every inconsequential
thought or irritation. It is a purifying fire, yet, the purification doesn’t
occur without the dross first being burned away.

We have a natural inclination to avoid suffering at all costs, and yet, it
is from suffering and difficulties we are brought to the cross. The pain
of childbirth brings the joy of birth. The greatest artists often have long
tales of suffering, without which their art would never have come forth.
Then, is suffering something we should flee or embrace? What is the
answer to that question I grappled within the fog of my concussion?
How do I view the suffering I seem to be preparing for? Should I
medicate it away? Should I choose the easy path of complete
avoidance? What do I tell my family? It seems my most recent knock
on my soft head has raised more hard questions.

Updated Hymn Lists!

I have updated many of my various lists! Here are some of the
newly updated lists.

One of my most important projects this year to a study/singing
edition of the Heidelberg Catechism! Below is a link to the master
page for this project. You will find the Questions and Answers, proof
texts, and, of course, appropriate hymns for each passage!
This year I will finishing my recording the brand new Reformed
Psalter, which is a reprint of the 1912 Presbyterian Psalter with
many new texts and tunes.

Heidelberg Catechism

2024 Reformed Psalter

https://www.andrewremillard.com/contact/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/complete-playlist-list-for-youtube
channel/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/complete-recording-list-links/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/list-of-hymn-history-articles/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/hymns-for-the-westminsterconfession-master-list/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/resource-suggestions-master-list/

https://www.andrewremillard.com/scripture-hymn-references
master-list/

What is New and Helpful
Besides the Westminster Confession project:

https://www.andrewremillard.com/hymns-for-the-westminster
confession/

The brand new 2024 Psalter Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?
list=PLZZAT1pP5dJqkwAhVAzhVLzDHw9VZt0Dv

Here is a little background on this new Psalter.
My Scripture/Hymn reference lists have moved! Here is the link to
get started! Over 23,000 cross references so far!
Support
Many people have asked to support my recording efforts and I have
been very blessed and humbled with level of support from all over
the world.
If you wish to contribute to this ongoing effort to record these
historic Christian hymns and great Classical solo literature, feel free
to use any of these platforms:
Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/AndrewRemillard
GiveSendGo:
https://www.givesendgo.com/AndrewRemillard